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S92 



COMPLIMENTS OF JONATHAN T. RORER 



COPYRIGHT 1892 
BY JONATHAN T. RORER 




View South, on York Street, from Byberry Avenue, 



Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. 

'"THIS suburban village, established early in colonial times, on 

The Old York Road, 
fourteen miles north of Philadelphia, possesses many local attractions unknown 
to the general public. 

It has a unique prestige in provincial and revolutionary reminiscence, that 
clusters with traditions of almost two centuries, — a long life-history extending 
through more than six generations who have lived and known HATBORO 
as their home. 

Its environment, the beautiful Manor of Moreland, is conspicuous for 
unsurpassed agricultural thrift, and the village a healthy and charming nearby 
Home Place. 

5 




Residence of Hon. I. N. Evans, York Street. 



■r, i -r- ^o- ( 221 S. Fifth Street, Philadelphia. 

Real Estate Offices : j Hatbo Pa . 



H^tsoro 



The country north of Philadelphia is pre-eminently ahead of any other 
direction from the city in rural beauty. 

The varied prospect both along the Old York Road and railway route 
the whole distance to Hatboro, is abounding in interest and romantic 
scenery. The grandeur of the rolling landscape is enhanced by the many 
gems of architectural beauty in numerous handsome country seats erected 
and the tastefully laid out lawns visible by the way adding an additional 
charm. 

The town is now readily accessible from every point; located near the 
intersection of two railroad lines, — a leading essential of a citizen's perfect 
country home. 

By the aid of the camera, are reproduced, with this sketch, outlines of 
some public structures and ornate village residences, so that the 
reader may at once learn Hatboro is no longer the village hamlet of former 

7 




Residence of Dr. Paul H. Markley, Byberry Avenue. 



HflTBORO 



> 



days, — having kept pace with modern progress. Its residents at the present 
may enjoy all city living conveniences beside the luxuries of a healthful 
Rural Home. 

Those contemplating suburban life will find here, beautifully located, a 
limited area of excellent building land, recently plotted for projected 
future extension of the town, embracing fine sites for villas and centrally 
located lots for business. 

This central borough tract for building extension is convenient to the 
station, elevated, and partly undulating; contains fine perspective sites in 
altitudes that admit of no intervening obstructions. The surroundings are 
healthful and free from malaria; in fact, no artificial doctoring is required 
to render the superficial surface inhabitable or attractive for residence. 




Residence of James Van Horn. Byberry Avenue. 



The "Reading Terminal" and Trenton "Cut-off" when in full 
operation will establish the last essential needful : 

I^apid and Frequent Transit, 

to make Hatboro and its charming vicinity the ideal nearby Home Place 
of many Philadelphians and others. 

The village is prominently identified with colonial and revolutionary 
history. The first house was erected of logs by John Dawson, " formerly " 
a hatter of London, England, in the year 1702. Three years afterward he 
built a stone house, doing all the carpenter and mason work himself, his 
daughter Ann acting as his efficient helper. This house was opened as a 
stopping-place or Inn, and for a sign a crooked billet of wood was 
suspended outside. This is the source from which the town also derived the 
euphonious title of 




Residence of Hon. Arthur D. Markley, Northampton Street. 



HATB0R0 



THE CROOKED MLiliET. 

The historian says : " Bartholomew Longstreth, who emigrated from 
Yorkshire, England, in 1699, was prominent in advancing the progress of the 
village and vicinity." He married Ann, the daughter of John Dawson the 
first inhabitant. 

At his death in 1749, a certain one-acre lot and dwelling on York Street 
by inheritance descended to his heirs, and the title for the same was confirmed 
by the Orphans' Court at Philadelphia, June first of the same year. This 
lot of the early pioneer mentioned is specified on the draft on Page 2, and 
the dwelling is the present residence of the writer; a deed dated March 22d, 
1787, reciting the foregoing "prior" facts of title record. 

The original portion of this old mansion bears evidence of colonial 
structure, and doubtless it was erected more than a century and a half ago. 



'3 




Residence of Comly Walton, Moreland Avenue. 



14 



HATBORO 

¥ 

"This early pioneer, Bartholomew Longstreth^ first opened the Old 
York Road from 'the Billet,' Hatboro, to the Neshaminy in 1705." 

For a long time during the early history of the village the general 
name in use was the Crooked Billet. The battle fought here May 1st, 
1778, is called in history Battle of the Crooked Billet. Both General 
Washington and General Lacy in their correspondence headed their letters 
" Crooked Billet." 

But, there is no question, the proper name of the village is that 
derived from the occupation of its first settler, " the hatter." Evans' map 
published in 1749, long before the Revolution, printed it Hatboro, as 
now written. 



15 




Residence of Dr. J. B. Carrell," York Street. 



16 



, MflTBO^O 

s — ▼ — s 

Although it is interesting to dwell upon the old landmarks, the present 
is the period to which special attention is directed. 

Hatbopo as ft ys ^oV/« 

The abandonment of the Old York Road Stage Line at the incorporation 
of the village as a borough in 1 871, and the construction of the Northeast 
Pennsylvania Railroad in 1872 — " chiefly a Hatboro enterprise " — marked a 
New Era for the place. Two years afterward a National Bank was 
organized. Progress and thrift since have been conspicuous, both in 
building extension and business expansion. The present season, 
Electricity, the popular illuminator, is being introduced to brighten up 
the streets and Homes. 

This illustrated sketch is issued to awaken an interest in those unacquainted 
with " or who have inadvertently neglected " the charms of this beautiful 

17 




MflfflipH T" "::: 



Real Estate and Investments. 
Office : York Street. 



Residence of Samuel J. Garner, Byberry Avenue. 



J^BOiRO 



suburban town and vicinity; and also to bring before the notice of readers 
a large block of excellent building land, centrally located in Hatboro, 
convenient to the railroad station, — recently divided into smaller tracts and 
building lots. 

The increasing railroad enterprises netting this attractive section signifies 
that this is the appreciating time in land values, and accordingly it is likely 
that Real Estate will never be lower than during the present season. 

For prices, terms, plans, photographic views, and general information 
apply to NATHANIEL B. CRENSHAW, Real Estate Officer, 

of the GIRARD 

L Annu?ty: a a n nd e ' TRUST COMPANY, 

N. E. corner Broad and Chestnut Streets, 
and JONATHAN T. RORER, Philadelphia. 

Hatboro, Pa. 

19 




Residence of Dr. Thomas Reading, York Street. 



HATB0R0 

Invitation. 

The leading essentials and superiority of location of an established and 
thoroughly equipped Home Place, are features that may be creditably men- 
tioned ; but to fully realize and appreciate the general aspects and favorable 
characteristics of Hatboio a personal visit is necessary. 

A cordial invitation is therefore extended and an early visit requested before 
deciding upon a suburban location. 

To Manufacturers, inducements are offered in buildings and central land 
to promote and foster light manufacturing ; and the fine location near the Rail- 
road junction for large plants, offers superior facilities for shipping to all points. 

The present season additional improvements may be observed in the erection 
of the Electric Light plant, streets being macadamized and wired for arc lights, 
business structures in course of erection and a handsome accession to the fine 
row of Bybeny Avenue Homes by another ornate Cottage Residence. 




I N. Evans, President 



Hatboro National Bank. York Street. 



James Van Horn, Cashier. 



HATBORO 

¥ 

liflCEY Pflf?K. 

A Projected Handsome Annex for Hatboro. A New Attrac- 
tion for Healthful Country Homes. 

A DELIGHTFUL retreat, suggested by natural conditions and artistic 

landscaping. A proposed enterprise recently devised for opening in the 

near future. A Park, Lake, Rockery, Fountain, Shaded Walks, Electric 

Light, and Seats for Leisure; all encompassed by a wide boulevard drive, in 

area comprising about three acres. 

The form is in complex easy curves, and a large number of lots fronting 
on the Spring Water Lake and Shaded Park. The essentials are all on the 
spot, — the Spring Water, the depression for the Lake, the Stone and Sand for 
macadamizing are also on the property ; the Winding Boulevard is suggested 
by the undulations, and at the proper time labor and moderate outlay will 
complete the work. 

The location is convenient to the station, and East Byberry Avenue is 
a " cheery " spot even at night, as illuminated with arc electric lights. 

23 




View from East Byberry Avenue Building Sites. 




Picturesque WOODSIDE Building Sites. 

24 




Rear View. Lawn of " Longstreth Homestead." 





View of Kennedy Tract. North from Cemetery Avenue. 

25 




Post Office and Pharmacy. York Street. 

The Ptiblic Spirit, 

The Robinson Publishing Co. 

Dr. W. '1'. Robinson, President. 

E. O. C. Robinson, Secretary and Treasurer. 

26 



IMSFB8R8 



A GOOD mOVE. 

p rom The increasing number of changes each year 

Cfrom City to Suburban Life indicate that the 
ity salutary results of Pure Air, Good Water, and 

1 other essentials for Robust Health are more 

ountry appreciated than in former years. 

T " -f 

Hatboro residents enjoy all domestic living con- 
veniences : Baths, Indirect Steam Heat, Electric Light, beside the joys of 
a Luxurious Country Home. 

It is high and healthful: Two hundred and one feet in altitude 
above high tide at Philadelphia. 

There is plenty of room : The population has not quite reached one 
thousand. Fine tracts of building land are now available for Model Homes, 
near the station, East By berry Avenue, Picturesque Woodside, and York 
Street near the Bank. Photographic views of sites at The Girard Trust 
Company, corner Broad and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia. 



27 




1754 • Union Library. York Street. • 1892 



28 



= 1 = 



LlfllO^ lilB^R^Y. 



'"THIS institution, founded during colonial days, maintains the continued 
interest and pride of Hatboro, and people of the surrounding vicinity 
for many miles. As a factor in cultivating a love for literature and general 
knowledge, it has been a conspicuous landmark. Its twelve thousand volumes 
receive semi-annual additions ; beside the popular magazines and pamphlet 
literature of the day are found on its tables for use of patrons. The fine 
building with its spacious Free Reading Room is a frequent resort. It is 
doubtful if so complete a Library is to be found outside of the large cities. 



29 




Residence of Jonathan T. Rorer, York Street. (Old Longstreth Homestead.) 



30 



EfoTBQRQ 



The Old Iiongst^eth Mansion. 

A Genuine Colonial House. 

THE original portion of this antique dwelling was built by an early pioneer 

of Hatboro — Bartholomew Longstreth, who died in 1749. 

Some alterations and additions to it have since been made. It is 
conspicuously situated on York Street near the National Bank — on an 
eminence affording a fine view for several squares each way. It is now the 
present residence of Major J. T. Rorer. 

Many evidences of its age exist, beside the walls and general construction ; 
in the inside finish ; cornices ; extensive panel work ; heavy doors ; forged, 
weighty hinges; locks; latches and hasps. 

The property has a front of one hundred feet, and extends back to Lancaster 
Street on the east with the same width, and comprises an area of about one acre. 

Adjoining on the north are the finest located lots on the main street 
(opposite the National Bank) for ornate villas and business structures. 

31 




Loller Academy. York Street. 



32 



UOUSR ACADEMY- 

Erected 1811. 

A MUNIFICENT gift to Hatboro, by Hon. Robert Loller : soldier, 
statesman, philanthropist, and associate judge. Major Loller was a 
member of the first Constitutional Convention of the State of Pennsylvania. 
Other eminent men of that time were residents of the village, and active in 
educational interests and affairs. Among them, was Hon. Nathaniel B. Boileau, 
who was Secretary of State, and also Speaker of the General assembly in 
1808. The Academy was a necessity of the day, and for over half a century 
it was a noted school. 

Beside the large patronage of the village and surrounding country, many 
prominent Philadelphians and others were educated within its walls. It is 
conspicuous in proportions, and its classic Romanesque steeple is visible 
from many points in the vicinity. 



33 



I " »' 



k**' 



*• 







The Popular Business Emporium of John Van Pelt. York Street. 

Hardware, House-Furnishing and 
Fine Groceries. 



34 



H^TBORO 



AS TT TS [SOW. 



Tt Has 



A Borough Municipal Government. 

A Good Fire Department. 

A Progressive and Public-Spirited " Council." 

Electric Arc Lights for the Streets, and Incandescents for Homes. 

Macadamized Streets and Good Pavements. 



THE SCHOOLS. 

In the old " Educational Hall," Loller Academy, Comprising 
Primary, Secondary, and Grammar Departments; and Public High School. 



THE CHURCHES. 



Three Resident Pastors. 

Regular Services : Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. 
Presbyterian Church and Friends' Meeting about one mile distant. 



THE STORES. 



HATBORO HAS GOOD STORES 

Because there is a demand for good thing's. 



35 




The Jones House, Harry Wilson. Proprietor, York Street. 



36 



lATgORO 

Tt Has AS TT T: NOW. 

THE SOCIETIES. 

Bray Lodge, F. and A. M. Washington Camp, P. O. S. of A. 

Fortuna Lodge, K. of P. Lieu't John H. Fisher Post, G. A. R. 

Hatboro Lodge, A. O. U. W. Hatboro Building Association. 

Loller Lodge, I. O. O. F. Washington P. 6. S. of A. Cornet Band 

THE LITERARY FEATURES. 

The Large Union Library and Free Reading Room. 

Newspaper. The "Wide Awake" Public Spirit. 

THE SPORTS- 

Athletic Association. Tennis Clubs : Olympian and Windermere. 

THE HOTELS. 

The Old Popular Hostelry,— THE JONES HOUSE 

is under new management. The proprietor has introduced the best sanitary 
appliances, and refurnished the House for the comfoit and enjoyment of all 
patrons; indirect Steam Heat; Electric Light; Baths; Lavatories; and 
an unsurpassed Cuisine. This House and surroundings furnish the finest 
appointments for both transient and permanent Summer Guests. 

37 




M. E. Church. Kennedy Tract, and View South, on York Street. 



§OTB8R8 

Another H&ttev, of f4sitboi*o. 

T TE owned the Kennedy Tract, under consideration in this sketch, and 
choice building land. The old records reveal that David Rees, a 
Hatter, (formerly) of Philadelphia, on the thirtieth of January, 1775, conveyed 
this certain tract of land to David Kennedy. 

By this data, it would appear that the name of the village seems well 
authenticated by residents pursuing the occupation of hatter. The handsome 
tract since " Revolutionary days " bearing the name of Kennedy is 
conspicuous upon the entrance to the village by the Old York Road, — 
also as being located opposite the fine property and handsome edifice, the 
Hatboro Methodist Episcopal church. The sites for building are finely 
situated, and near the business centre and railroad station. The land contains 
valuable building stone and sand, and has two open street fronts. 

Specimens of stone and photographic views may be seen at the Girard 
Trust Company, corner Broad and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia. 

39 




Borough Council Hall and Fire Department. York Street. 



40 



HATB0R0 

liocation. 

|_f ATBORO comprises about six hundred acres, lying both sides of the 
Old York Road, and the land extends to the Bucks County line. 
The borough land was formerly a portion of Moreland Township, which was 
located June 4th, 1684, and named in honor of Nicholas More, who came to 
America with William Perm in 1682. 

Hatboro is the most prominent Station and largest Town on the Northeast 
Pennsylvania (Newhope Extension) of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, 
seventeen miles from Reading Terminal Station, corner of Market and 
Twelfth Streets. 

It Is Only a Short Distance 

from the Trenton Cut-off, — a branch of the direct through line, Central 
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Connections at To the West, Pittsburg, Chicago, etc. 

Hatboro To the East : New York, Boston, etc. 

Time to Norristown, 40 minutes. Time to Trenton, 30 minutes. 

Express time from Philadelphia to Hatboro, 39 minutes. 

41 




View of Byberry Avenue Homes. 



= W 



R Drive Out. 



IN a suburban carriage drive from the city there is no direction or highway 
that presents so much interest as the Old York Road. 

All the way out the landscape diversity is picturesque and romantic. So 
highly improved and beautiful country is seen in no other suburb of 
Philadelphia. The rolling fields and old zigzag stone drive continue a varied 
scene of rural delight all the route to Hatboro. 

On the right and left, after leaving the city limits, this colonial 
highway is conspicuous for the large number of palatial and ornate country 
seats of Philadelphia's greatest merchants, bankers, railway kings, and 
manufacturers, who have beautified the roadside of this old Revolutionary 
track, made memorable as the pathway of the Continental armies. The 
Old York Road is the main avenue for business in Hatboro, and now 
called York Street. 



43 




View of Woodside. Warminster Street. 



44 



Woodside. 

THIS bovver of heavy luxuriant shade has been for years under observation 
as a charming building spot, conspicuous by the double row of old 
pines, leading from the street to two acres of natural old woodland. In 
fact, the whole tract of ten acres is heavily shaded with large Pines, 
Chestnut, Walnut, Aspen, Maple, and the remnants of an Apple Orchard. It 
is suitable to divide into a number of handsome sites. The prospect 
overlooks the Pennypack Valley and Edge Hill Heights, with view of the 
Trenton Cut-off Railroad. 

Such a quiet, rural retreat, so convenient to the station and all 
household needs, is rare. 

View of Woodside on opposite page. 

45 







1739. Longstreth Mansion Site, York Street. 



46 



JtySBOl^O 



Houj to l^eaeh H^tbo^o. 



SUMMER TRAIN SCHEDULE MAY 15TH, 1892. 

PHILADELPHIA TERMINALS: 

Trains leave Ninth and Green Streets 6.45, 9.05 a.m. 2.15,* 4.25, * e 
6. 15, 7.00,* 9.30,* 11.15 p - M - Sundays: 9.00 a. m. 1.40,6.45 p.m. 

Trains leave Third and Berks Streets 7.00*, 9.15* a. m. 1.40, 345, 
6.05*, 6.35 1 1.25* p.m. Sundays: 9.15* a.m. 1.20, 6.55* p. m. 

" * " Through Trains. "E" Express Trains. 

Trains leave HATBORO 5 . 5 1 , E 6.48, E 8.2i, K,i ii.5<i g a.m. 1.5 i, q 5.05° 
6.46*, 9-34, <4 p. m. Sundays: 7.57 b a.m. 5.2 i , k 7.45° p. m. 

" B" for Third and Rerks. "G" for Ninth and Green. 

Either terminal may be reached from Hatboro, each train, by changing at Jenkintown Station. 

RATES OF FARE. 

Single Trip Tickets, . . . $ 47 Monthly Business Ticket, . $S 10 

Two-day Excursion Ticket, " 63 Family 26 Trip " .814 

Package, three Tickets, . for 1 00 Quarterly Business " . 21 85 

Monthly School Ticket, . . 5 40 1,000 Mile Coupon " . 20 co 

47 



Battle of 
Crooked Billet." 




Fought 
May 1st, 1778. 



Battle Monument. York Street. 



FERRIS BROS., PRINTERS, SEVENTH AND FILBERT STS., PHILA. 






I D ( 



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